How do I send a postcard from Paris to the US?

Question

We are going to Paris next month and I promised my little ones that we would send postcards home. Only, I have no idea how to go about it. Where would I buy stamps and what type? How do I address the postcards? I don't speak French, so I would like to know before I go- so it won't be so difficult once we are there. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Go into any post office (Bureau de poste)

They are clearly marked and you'll find signs directing you to them.

There are stamp dispensing machines which have clear instructions on them or just go to the window and say "Aux Etats Unis par avion" (to the United States by air) and show them how many cards you are sending. They'll sell you the proper stamps and after affixing them yourself you'll see slots to deposit them in. there will be slots for local and domestic mail. Foreign mail (i.e. to the States) will usually be a seperate slot. Look for the word "étranger" (foreign).

Make sure to write in large letters after the address on the post card the words "Etats Unis" and "Par Avion"

Answer 2

I had some trouble sending mail home when i was in france. if you are staying in a hotel 9 time out of 10 someone there speaks english

most hotels sell postcard right at the front desk and when you write the address you must put USA at the end

now for stamps, some hotels sell them at the front desk along with the postcard, && if they dont they will direct you to a post office near by

Answer 3

I have travelled all over the world and never had a problem sending anything through the mail.  Each country has its own post office and their own stamps and post cards can be picked up anywhere.  If you are staying at hotels then you have it made.  They can help you with what postage to put on.  I would advise you though to send a short letter in an envelope, just to make sure that the letter gets home, post cards are not all that reliable.  You will address the letter  the same as you would if you were home.  Write it in English, because that is where it is going..the name of the person does not change..and the name of the city does not change...so why address it any different.  Just make sure that you put the name of the country that you are sending it to as part of the address  The post office in Paris will read the country name...Canada or U.S or what ever...send it over there